Illegal Online Bitcoin Poker Site Operator Fined $25,000
Bryan Micon, 37, former operator of bitcoin online poker site “Seals with Cubs” has plead guilty to a criminal charge for operating an unlicensed gambling system and fined $25,000 as terms of his sentence.
In a landmark case and ruling involving a case connecting bitcoin and online gambling, the Clark County District Court sentenced Nevada native and professional gambler Bryan Micon to two years’ probation along with a fine of $25,000.
Micon was facing up to ten years in a state prison and a $50,000 fine when he was charged initially.
Under the terms, Micon also surrendered 3.0996 in bitcoin credits, at least six computers and $900 in cash as a part of a plea bargain in July.
To avoid jail time, Micon plead guilty to the charges against him after returning from Antigua following a hasty departure to the Carribean country after a raid by state gaming officials targeting his home in February.
At the time, Micon moved to Antigua and wasted no time in drawing up plans to set up a new website in the country.
The Associated Press reports that Micon fled to Antigua after investigators obtained a warrant to search his home and that he still intends to move to Antigua in the future.
Seals with Clubs collapsed in April to leave an estimated $15 in player funds unpaid. Micon even started a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for his legal defense, at the time.
Defense attorney Richard Schonfield told Judge Kerry Earley that Micon plans to “complete his probation in Las Vegas and move with his family to take a job in the technology office of a newspaper there.”
Upon sentencing, Judge Earley told Micon he faces up to 32 months in state prison if he violates the terms of his sentence.
Micon is currently employed at a drone store in Las Vegas.
Images from Shutterstock and Twitter/Bryan Micon.
